The Blind Love Life of the Returning Hero: The Companions I Lost in Another World Resurrect in the Modern Era and Indulge Me - Episode 41

Hayato awoke to the dazzling morning sunlight. When he glanced at the clock, it was already past 10 AM. The other bed was empty—Josuke was already up. Light streamed in through the balcony, brightening the entire room, and the gentle sound of the waves could be heard.

Just as he was about to get out of bed, the room phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Morning. Finally awake, Hayato?”

It was Josuke’s voice on the other end.

“We were planning to have breakfast together, but the Tetsumura family and Riri have already finished eating.”

“I see. I overslept.”

Hayato replied a bit apologetically. Though he usually woke up early, the gentle rocking of the ship had lulled him into a deep sleep.

“It’s a vacation. Sleeping in a little is actually a good thing.”

Jousuke reassured him, his voice carrying a relaxed tone. Hayato could tell he was enjoying himself as well.

“Are the others already out exploring?”

“Yeah. The Tetsumura family went to the onboard aquarium. Seika’s still asleep—apparently she was really tired. Riri tried to wake her up, but there was no response.”

“Got it. I guess I’ll head to breakfast too.”

“I haven’t eaten yet either. I’ll join you.”

Hayato met up with Josuke and headed to the breakfast restaurant. It was a little late for breakfast, and they joined other guests who seemed to have also overslept. Hayato helped himself generously to the buffet—fresh salad, perfectly grilled meat, seasonal fruits. At the omelet station, the chef made his omelet right in front of him, adding cheese and mushrooms. The result was a fluffy delight. Josuke also filled his plate with a hearty helping, showing off his usual appetite.

“The quality of the food is incredible. You almost forget we’re on a ship,” Josuke said while spreading butter on a roll.

“Yeah. It’s delicious,” Hayato replied, still focused on his meal.

“This is really well done.”

While the unique setting certainly helped, the quality of the food itself was genuinely impressive. Hayato wasn’t usually picky about meals, but this time, he was sincerely impressed.

“They say the coffee is made by a dedicated barista,” Josuke added.

“Sounds legit.”

As they sipped the special coffee, Riri appeared. She wore a fresh white dress that gave her a healthy, radiant impression. Her hair swayed lightly and sparkled in the morning light. A small ribbon adorned her chest, giving her a different aura from her usual school uniform.

“Good morning,” she greeted brightly.

“Did you sleep well?” Hayato asked with a smile.

“Very well, actually.”

The gentle rocking of the ship had clearly provided a deep and refreshing sleep.

“Well, I’ve got something scheduled,” Josuke suddenly said as he stood.

“Hm?”

“I’ll catch up with you two later.”

With that, he strode off briskly.

“Scheduled?” Riri tilted her head.

“No idea,” Hayato shrugged.

Now alone together, Hayato and Riri sat on a lounge sofa, continuing their conversation while gazing out at the endless blue sea through the window.

“Did Go and the others go to the aquarium like they talked about yesterday?”

“Yes,” Riri replied with a smile.

“Riku and Aoi were really excited this morning. They were so cute.”

Her eyes sparkled with affection. It was clear she enjoyed spending time with the children.

“During breakfast, Aoi said, ‘I wanna see lots of fish!’ and Riku was all excited like, ‘I wonder if we’ll get to see deep-sea creatures too.’”

“Sounds like fun,” Hayato said, smiling as he pictured the kids’ excitement.

After chatting for a while, the two headed to the onboard training gym.

When they opened the doors, they found a wide array of equipment—state-of-the-art treadmills, weight machines, free weights, and even a yoga space. Several well-built men and women were already working up a sweat.

“This is more impressive than I expected,” Riri said, admiring the facility. The large windows offered views of the ocean even during workouts. Hayato also thought it was amazing.

“Yeah, this is beyond what I imagined.”

After changing, they quietly began their training. Hayato, whose job involved security work, made it a point to stay in shape—not just for work, but to relieve stress. He handled the weights with practiced ease, focusing on building his muscles. Riri, with her toned physique from being in the badminton club, moved efficiently and gracefully.

Hayato started noticing the gazes of people around them. His muscular body and Riri’s athletic form were clearly drawing attention. In particular, Riri’s precise training form captivated several guests.

“Excuse me. Are you two professional athletes by any chance?” a woman on the treadmill next to them asked. She was a fit foreign woman in her mid-40s.

“No, I’m still a student. I’m in a club at school,” Riri replied modestly.

“Really? You’ve got an incredible body for a student. Badminton, right?”

“Yes! How did you know?”

Riri looked surprised.

“I can tell by your movement. I used to be a player myself when I was younger,” the woman said with a smile.

“And you?” she turned to Hayato.

“I’m not a professional athlete, but my job involves physical work.”

He didn’t go into details about his job in security.

“I see. But your power is just incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

After that, the two continued to draw attention with their training, answering various questions. Even the gym instructor took interest, asking Hayato about his abdominal training methods, to which he gladly explained.

As lunchtime approached, they finished their workout and returned to the lobby, where Seika had finally woken up. She looked a little dazed, quite different from her usual composed self.

“Good morniiing.”

Her voice was soft and relaxed.

“You really slept well, huh?” Riri said with a smile.

“You okay? Still half-asleep?” Hayato asked with concern.

“Maybe,” Seika replied, lightly combing her fingers through her hair, showing a rare unguarded side.

“Guess I finally got to sleep without thinking about work,” she added.

“You’re always juggling research and other things. It’s hard to completely relax,” Riri said in agreement.

“Yeah.”

Seika nodded. It seemed the vacation was doing her good.

“So, lunch?”

“Haven’t eaten yet.”

“Let’s go together, then.”

The three of them headed to the lunch restaurant. Unlike the Italian cuisine from the night before, this day featured an Asian food theme—Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and more.

The restaurant was located on the ship’s side, with large windows offering a panoramic ocean view. The red and gold tablecloths gave it an Asian flair, and traditional Eastern artwork adorned the walls. Soft ethnic music played in the background.

“You travel abroad a lot for work, right Seika?” Hayato asked while taking some tempura onto his plate. It looked freshly fried and mouthwatering.

“Yes, quite often,” she replied. She was gradually waking up, her calm demeanor returning as she selected a balanced mix of mostly Chinese dishes.

“Business trips are so hectic I hardly get time to rest. Moments like these with friends are really valuable.”

“You’ve always been the kind to devote yourself for your friends,” Hayato said quietly.

“We all did that. We helped each other, and were helped in return.”

Seika smiled gently.

“Back then, everyone fulfilled their role. That’s why it worked.”

Riri nodded in agreement.

“It’s still the same now. We’re each doing our best in our own worlds.”

After lunch, the three strolled through the ship again. That deck housed a shopping area lined with various shops. High-end clothing, watches, and jewelry were displayed, many at luxury price points. In the glimmering showcase windows were diamond necklaces and world-famous brand bags.

“You can shop like this even on a ship?” Hayato remarked in surprise.

“It really doesn’t feel like we’re on a ship at all. More like a small town,” Riri agreed, peering curiously into an accessory store’s display.

“They’ve designed it so there’s no end to the fun onboard. Just browsing is enjoyable,” Seika said, clearly impressed.

“Oh, that reminds me…”

“Hm? What is it, Seika?”

Checking the time on her watch, Seika responded to Hayato’s question.

“I have an appointment now. I’m meeting Kaede for a massage.”

“Okay, have fun,” Riri said with a smile.

“Let’s meet again for dinner,” Seika called over her shoulder.

“Yeah. Let’s all gather tonight,” Hayato replied with a nod.

Once again alone, Hayato and Riri stepped out onto the open deck. The wind was gentle, and the deep blue sea stretched endlessly before them. Sunlight sparkled on the water’s surface. White clouds dotted the sky, their shadows drifting slowly across the sea.

“It’s beautiful,” Riri said.

They sat in deck chairs, quietly enjoying the view. Riri wore a hat to shield herself from the sun as she soaked in the scenery.

“Yeah, it really is,” Hayato agreed. The line between the sky and sea seemed to cleanse his soul.

A comfortable silence settled between them—not awkward, but peaceful. They didn’t need words to feel each other’s presence.

“It’s strange, isn’t it?” Riri murmured.

“To be able to spend time so peacefully like this.”

“You think so too?” Hayato replied.

He often found himself marveling at this peaceful life, as if it were a dream.

“Of course! In that world, we were always thinking about the next danger.”

Riri’s eyes looked into the distance, the wind gently playing with her hair.

“I still have both sets of memories—of dying as Lilia and growing up as Riri.”

She gazed at the sea as her words flowed softly, like waves.

“Sometimes, I wonder which one is the real me.”

That surprised Hayato. He hadn’t realized she carried such thoughts. Maybe the others did too. But even so, he didn’t think she needed to dwell on it so much.

“Both are the real you,” he said gently.

His eyes held a warmth that embraced both her past and her present.

“The Riri from the other world and the Riri from this one are both you. One soul, one person. That’s all there is to it.”

“You haven’t changed, Hayato.”

Riri smiled.

“You always accept everyone. You help everyone.”

“Do I?”

“Yes. That’s why we all want you to be happy, too.”

“I am happy. You all help me so much—and now, I’m even on this amazing cruise. I’m really enjoying myself.”

Hayato’s expression showed genuine joy.

“I’m glad to hear that!”

Riri’s smile sparkled, reflecting the sunlit sea.

Another silence followed. But it was filled with mutual understanding. The battles of a distant world, and the peaceful days of the present—two completely different times, strangely connected.

They exchanged quiet smiles and continued gazing out at the ocean, wishing for this peaceful time to last forever.